Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival 2026: The Ultimate FAQ & Travel Guide

The Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Lantern Festival 2026 will take place over two nights: November 24th and 25th, 2026.

Future Chiang Mai Lantern Festival Dates (2026–2030)

Plan your future travels with our schedule of the Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Festival dates:

Both nights offer the same spectacular experience, including identical activities, dining, and shuttle services. Your ticket is valid only for the selected date. Your choice depends on your travel itinerary and social media goals.

November 24 (Day 1): Be the First

• The Trendsetter Choice: Experience the magic first and share your photos/videos on social media before everyone else.
• Maximum Anticipation: Join the opening night energy when the excitement is at its peak.

November 25 (Day 2): The Strategic Choice

• Smoother Logistics: On the second night, the event staff and shuttle services have settled into a perfect rhythm, often resulting in smoother dining and transport transitions.
• Double the Festival: Many travelers spend November 24 exploring the traditional Loy Krathong (water lanterns) in the Chiang Mai Old City, then head to the CAD venue on November 25th for the massive Yi Peng (sky lanterns) release.

The Chiang Mai CAD Lantern Festival offers several ticket tiers designed to fit different budgets and experience preferences. Prices typically range from 4,800 to 15,500 THB. All tickets include the mass lantern release, cultural shows, and dinner, but differ in seating proximity and VIP perks.

Detailed Breakdown of Ticket Features

• Elite – The Ultimate Luxury Experience: Designed for those who want the best of everything. Includes exclusive fast-track entry (no queues), the most comfortable seating closest to the action, and a curated premium dining experience.
• VIP – The Best Value: This is our most recommended tier. The seating is strategically positioned to face the fireworks and the center of the lantern release, providing the "money shot" for your social media.
• Premium – Culture & Shows: If you are interested in the Lanna cultural performances, this tier puts you close to the Central Stage, ensuring you don't miss any details of the traditional dances.
• Gold – Immersive Atmosphere: Gold seats offer a powerful, immersive sensory experience as light and sound fill the sky.
• Platinum – Superior Vantage Point: Provides a balanced, high-quality view of both the stage and the sky. It offers a more spacious feel compared to Standard seating.
• Standard – Budget-Friendly Choice: The most affordable entry point. You will participate in the full mass lantern release and enjoy the buffet, making it perfect for backpackers and large groups.

** Pro Tip: VIP and Elite tickets often sell out 6 months in advance due to their superior photo angles. If you are a photographer, do not wait!

You will receive your official e-ticket via email either instantly or within 24 hours after your payment is confirmed.

What to do:

• Check your Spam/Junk folder if you don't see the ticket link in your inbox.
• Print it out or save a screenshot of the QR code on your phone. Internet signals can be weak at the venue entrance, so having a saved image ensures you can get in smoothly.
• Verify details: Ensure the name on the ticket matches your passport exactly.

Important Note: If you haven't received your ticket after 48 hours, contact our travel consult immediately with your Order ID to ensure your spot is secured before the event sells out.

Your ticket is an all-inclusive pass to a night of celebration. Here’s what you can typically expect:

Lanterns: Two khom loi (sky lanterns) and one krathong (water lantern) per person.

Dinner: A buffet-style Lanna dinner and drinks. The variety and quality of food improve with higher ticket tiers.

Entertainment: Full access to the cultural village, which features live music, dance performances, and craft demonstrations.

Ceremony: Participation in the official blessing ceremony led by monks, which includes chanting and meditation before the lantern release.

Transportation: Round-trip shuttle bus service from a central pickup point in Chiang Mai (Chiang Mai International Exhibition or Maya Mall).

The festival is held at the CAD Cultural Center (also known as CAD Lanna Heritage), located in the San Kamphaeng/Mae On district. It is approximately 30–40 km (about 60–90 minutes) east of Chiang Mai Old City.

Google Maps Address: CAD Cultural Center - Chiang Mai Lantern Festival

1. Round-Trip Shuttle Bus (Highly Recommended)

Due to severe traffic congestion during the festival, we strongly advise using the official shuttle service. Your ticket includes complimentary round-trip transportation.

Pickup Locations by Ticket Type:

Pro Tip: Shuttle buses depart between 1:00 PM and 4:30 PM. We recommend arriving before 1:00 PM to avoid the longest queues and ensure you have plenty of time to enjoy the pre-event cultural activities and buffet.

2. Private Taxi / Grab

• Arrival: You can hire a private driver or take a Grab. Ask them to drop you at the "The CAD Cultural Center" entrance.
• Departure Warning: Finding a taxi or Grab back to the city after the mass release is extremely difficult. Surge pricing will be in effect, and wait times can exceed 2 hours. We highly suggest sticking with the official shuttle for your return.

3. The Return Journey

After the mass release (around 8:30 PM–9:00 PM), there will be a large crowd moving toward the exits.

• Stay Calm: Follow the color-coded signs and staff directions to your specific shuttle loading zone.
• Queue Management: Buses depart as soon as they are full. Please be patient, as the sheer volume of traffic in the Mae On area makes the return journey slower than the arrival.

No. Releasing a sky lantern on your own within the city or at unauthorized locations is illegal due to safety regulations. The only legal and safe way to participate in a mass release is by attending an official, ticketed event like the one at the CAD venue. The organized nature of the event ensures a safe and magical experience for everyone.

The Yi Peng Festival is a spiritual and cultural celebration. While there is no strict "uniform," following these guidelines ensures respect for local traditions and helps you capture the best photos.

1. Respectful Attire (Required)

To show respect at this cultural venue, please follow a modest dress code:

• Cover Shoulders & Knees: Avoid sleeveless tops, tank tops, or short skirts/shorts.
• Avoid Revealing Clothing: Low-cut shirts or sheer fabrics should be avoided.
• Lanna Style: Wearing traditional Northern Thai (Lanna) clothing is highly encouraged! It supports local culture and looks stunning against the festival backdrop.

2. Expert Photography Tip: What to Wear for the Best Photos

• Color Choice: For the most breathtaking photos, we highly recommend wearing white or light-colored clothing (creams, pastels, or soft beige).
• Why? Light colors reflect the warm glow of the thousands of lanterns, making you stand out beautifully against the night sky. Dark colors tend to disappear in the shadows.
• Flowy Fabrics: Long white dresses or linen shirts create a magical, ethereal look in motion.

3. Footwear & Comfort

• Stay Grounded: You will be walking on grass, gravel, and dirt paths. Comfortable flat shoes or sandals are much better than high heels.
• Evening Breeze: It can get slightly chilly in the Mae On district at night; consider bringing a light scarf or pashmina (which can also be used to cover your shoulders).

The event is family-friendly, but parents should be aware of specific safety considerations.

Fire Hazard: The lantern release involves open flames. While staff are present to assist, thousands of lanterns are being lit simultaneously. Keep a close eye on children to ensure they do not get too close to the burning fuel blocks.

Crowds: The venue hosts over 25,000 people. It can get very crowded, especially when entering and exiting.

Terrain: The event takes place in an open field. If it rains, the ground can become muddy, so be prepared for uneven walking surfaces.

Yes. Official CAD use biodegradable lanterns to minimize environmental impact.

• Eco-Materials: Lanterns are made from rice paper and bamboo. They contain no metal wires or plastic, allowing them to decompose naturally.
• Natural Fuel: The fuel blocks consist of natural wax, ensuring a clean burn without toxic residue.
• Post-Event Cleanup: Organizers deploy dedicated teams to collect and dispose of fallen lanterns immediately after the festival.

Traveler Tip: To support sustainability, only release lanterns at official venues.